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Wonderful Women
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the ongoing spiritual warfare against God and humanity, instigated by demonic influence, the foundational institution of marriage faces intense attack. This battle is evident in societal shifts that undermine traditional roles, where men are diminished and women are encouraged to adopt aggressive and domineering traits. Such distortions transform marriage into a confrontational battlefield, forcing wives to assume leadership roles relinquished by husbands, contrary to the divine order. Throughout the Bible, women are portrayed with high dignity, sharing the image of God alongside men from creation to the portrayal as the bride of Christ. Despite historical social inequalities, God's system respects women, granting inheritance rights to daughters when no sons are present, as seen in Numbers 27 with Zelophehad's daughters. However, the biblical narrative often upholds male authority, with exceptions like Deborah in Judges 4 serving as a prophetess and judge to shame the lack of male leadership in Israel, highlighting God's ability to work beyond cultural norms without endorsing a shift from patriarchy. Isaiah 3 further illustrates this perspective by portraying rule by women as a sign of judgment against a sinful nation, reflecting divine disapproval of such arrangements as normative. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ elevates women's dignity by engaging with them directly, as in John 4 with the Samaritan woman, and entrusting them as the first witnesses of His resurrection, despite societal prejudices. Yet, He maintains the patriarchal structure by not appointing women as apostles, affirming the established order of authority. The apostle Paul in Ephesians 5 emphasizes submission within marriage, instructing wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, mirroring the church's submission to Christ. This submission is framed within a mutual service to God, where husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church, not lording over them but serving as servant-leaders. The insistence on equality in authority between husbands and wives disrupts this divine model, where the husband's servant leadership and the wife's submission reflect the relationship between Christ and His church. Tragically, some husbands suppress women's spiritual gifts, misinterpreting biblical authority to dominate rather than serve. Conversely, wives are instructed to respect and obey their husbands in all things aligning with God's truth, fostering an inward attitude of mutual subjection produced by the Holy Spirit. This balance ensures that neither manipulates nor dominates, striving toward an ideal of service and obedience within the marital relationship as part of God's plan for character development and preparation for His Kingdom.
The Role of Women
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe discussion on women in authority reveals a complex perspective within God's inspired Word. Feminism, often seen as a deception promoted by satan through the Feminist Movement, has significantly impacted society, churches, and homes, challenging traditional roles since the era of Women's Liberation in the 1960s. God's design, as seen in the creation of Eve as a helper comparable to Adam, establishes a complementary relationship where man holds the leadership role, not due to a lack of capability in women, but as part of divine order from the beginning. In biblical accounts, the rule of women is often portrayed as a judgment against a sinful nation rather than a blessing. Deborah, a married prophetess and judge of Israel, stands as an exception to patriarchy, raised up by God to shame the men of Israel for their lack of faith and leadership. Her story illustrates that God is above cultural norms and not restricted by patriarchy, showing women are capable of leading with His help, though leadership is generally assigned to men. Similarly, Isaiah's prophecy ridicules Judah for its sins, indicating that women's rule is tied to shaming a disobedient nation, not to diminishing women's worth. Jesus Christ, in His life, demonstrated respect for women, violating societal prejudices by conversing with a Samaritan woman and revealing doctrine to her, thus equating her spiritually with men. He entrusted women as the first witnesses to His resurrection, rewarding their devotion despite societal dismissal of their testimony. However, He confirmed Old Testament patriarchy by appointing only male apostles, adhering to the divine design established from creation, not cultural conditioning. The ideal of marriage reflects a spiritual model where husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and wives are to submit to their husbands' authority, mirroring the church's submission to Christ. This mutual submission and servant leadership are inward attitudes fostered by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that neither husband nor wife should manipulate or lord over the other. Tragically, some husbands suppress women's spiritual gifts, failing to follow the servant model exemplified by Jesus Christ, who empowers and serves. God's plan ensures equal spiritual potential and opportunity for character development for both men and women, preparing all for His Kingdom where gender distinctions of this physical life will no longer apply.
A Woman's World
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughConventional wisdom once held that we live in a man's world, where men possess all the advantages and power. However, a new power has risen in America and other leading nations—women. The feminist movement has propelled women past mere equality into realms of dominance and authority, signaling rough seas ahead as a clear sign of the end. Isaiah 3:12 highlights the roles of the sexes, showing that when men, whom God created to lead their families and nations, abdicate their roles, women and children, the inexperienced and unqualified, take up the slack. In acting outside their created makeup, women and children tend to hasten a nation's fall. Exceptions exist, such as Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of Britain, who led her nation to regain lost power and prestige in the 1980s by governing with a masculine approach. Despite feminist gains, the mood of the American people swung toward the right in the early 1990s, growing tired of militant, radical feminism. In response, the women's movement of the '90s began emphasizing differences between men and women, reviving traditional roles with a twist, often overlaying them with a man-hating ideology. This shift influenced political strategies, as seen in the 1996 presidential election, where the Clinton-Gore ticket valued women's votes more, capitalizing on emotional appeals to secure a landslide victory. Radical feminists remain discontent until women are the dominant sex, with slogans like "Half the World, Half the Power" from the Feminist Majority Foundation and goals of gender balance in governmental bodies set at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. While some feminist victories are worthwhile, ensuring women are not treated as inferior and have equal rights under the law, these must take second place to the spiritual development enhanced by filling divinely ordained roles. Isaiah 3:16-26, Isaiah 4:1, and Amos 4:1-3 paint uncomplimentary pictures of women in our time, predicting captivity and humiliation for those who oppress the poor, satiate their desires, and proudly vaunt their power. Society has reached such a state, and it will not be long before God acts to correct it. Radical feminism will persist until Christ returns to usher in true cooperation and proper balance between men and women, establishing God's world.
In the Wake of An Unnatural Disaster (Part Four)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jimmy Carter left the Southern Baptist Church because of looking at the story of Adam and Eve through the eyes of a humanist instead of believing God.
Let Boys Be Boys!
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughBoys and men are getting a bad rap in America these days. The Old Testament prophets predicted just such a trend in the last days of a nation.
Is God a Male Chauvinist?
Article by David F. MaasDoes God have something against women? On the contrary, the sexes are equal, and distortions of Scripture such as 'gender neutral' Bibles are unnecessary.
The First Prophecy (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Eve's curse lies the beginnings of both women's difficulties in childbearing and the battle of the sexes. The effects of this curse are still being felt daily!
God's Pattern of the Family
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe family structure, with assigned orders of responsibility (not orders of importance implying superiority or inferiority), is paramount to God's plan.
Genesis 3:16: Consequences for Eve
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSpiritually, male and female have equal potential. Rights and legalities are far less important than spiritual development, subject to God-ordained gender roles.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Becoming equipped for leadership requires that we discipline ourselves in following God's way of life, allowing the mind of Jesus Christ to be in us in.
Leadership and Covenants (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe contains a detailed record of both good and bad leaders, and it provides a repetitive principle that 'as go the leadership, so goes the nation.'
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part One: False Knowledge
Article by David C. GrabbeGnosticism is very much in vogue today in books and movies, and perhaps surprisingly, in the belief systems of many people who profess to be Christian.
'Children Are Their Oppressors'
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamAnyone with eyes and a modicum of common sense can see the prophecy of Isaiah 3:12 unfold before us, with children as our oppressors and women as our rulers.
I Never Knew You
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe flesh can counterfeit spiritual attributes, mimicking genuine spiritual gifts. Some pastors have preached the truth, but from an insincere motivation.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (The Book of Amos) (Part One)
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Amos is an astounding prophecy, closely paralleling the conditions in the Western world today. Amos reveals how unrighteousness undermines society.
Amos (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe favorite-son status of Israel was conditioned on accepting the terms of the covenant with God. Israel, then and now, has placed her trust in material things.
Should the Church Ordain Women as Ministers (I Timothy 2:12)?
Bible Questions & AnswersGod shows this matter to be one of difference between the genders rather than one being better or worse than the other. Men and women have different roles.